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Sunday, June 24
Updated: July 23, 4:56 PM ET
Team preview: Virginia Tech Hokies
ESPN.com
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The lowdown
2000-01 record: 8-19; 2-14 in Big East (7th in East)
Final Ranking: NR
Postseason: None.
Three Questions for 2001-02
1. Will the Hokies shake their erratic play, mature and be a factor in the Big East on the road? Virginia Tech has had moderate success at home but needs to translate its play into wins on the road.
2. Will Brian Chase, Carlos Dixon and Dennis Mims get more help? The three leading scorers were a pleasant surprise for Tech last season but they've got to upgrade the production from the bench.
3. Can Virginia Tech's defense improve? Virginia Tech can't afford to give up easy baskets and allow teams to get on too many runs on them. They've got to be able to keep the game in the 60s if possible.
Three Key Facts
1. Virginia Tech finished 12th in Big East rebounding last season -- one of several reasons why a young Hokies team struggled to compete on a nightly basis during its inaugural Big East season. Carlton Carter led the team in rebounding at just 5.9 boards per game.
2. The Hokies play their Big East crossover games at home against Rutgers and Seton Hall, while traveling to play Syracuse and West Virginia.
3. VaTech was one of several Big East school which suffered from lack of experience last season. A sophomore (Brian Chase, 12.9 ppg) and freshman (Carlos Dixon, 11.0 ppg) were 1-2 in VaTech scoring last season, which should only help this season's fortunes.
Andy Katz's Scenarios
Best case: The Hokies finish out of last place, are competitive and make a run at an NIT berth.
Worst case: They're fighting to stay out of the cellar and above .500.
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Key Players Returning
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Player
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Yr.
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Brian Chase
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Jr.
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G
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5-10/170
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PTS: 12.9 | REB: 2.9 | AST: 2.1
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Carlos Dixon
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So.
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G
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6-7/185
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PTS: 11.0 | REB: 3.6 | AST: 2.9
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Bryant Matthews
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So.
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G
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6-7/200
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PTS: 9.1 | REB: 5.2 | AST: 1.8
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Virginia Tech Signings
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht.
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High School/College
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Harding Nana
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F
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6-8
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Cameroon, Africa-Notre Dame Prep (Ma.)
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Terry Taylor
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F
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6-7
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Virginia Beach-Allegany College (Md.)
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Dimari Thompkins
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F
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6-9
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Lakeland-Hargrave M.A. (Fla.)
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C.J. Pigford
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F
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6-6
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Chatham/Hargrave Military Academy (Va.)
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